Can you fly on a plane if you have heart problems?


Can you fly on a plane if you have heart problems? Before flying, those who have heart disease or have undergone a cardiac procedure should discuss their plans with a doctor. Some of the risk factors that might affect that decision include an unstable heart condition, long flights, flying to a high-elevation destination, and personal risk for blood clots.


What are the first signs of a weak heart?

Common symptoms are:
  • Cough.
  • Fatigue, weakness, faintness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Need to urinate at night.
  • Pulse that feels fast or irregular, or a sensation of feeling the heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Shortness of breath when you are active or after you lie down.
  • Swollen (enlarged) liver or abdomen.
  • Swollen feet and ankles.


Is it OK to fly with heart palpitations?

According to medical research, travelling with arrhythmia is perfectly safe, as long as you are either suffering from no symptoms or you have been deemed clinically stable by a medical professional.


What happens when someone faints on plane?

“It's a vasovagal episode,” said the ER doc. “You'll be fine.” He explained several factors contributing to fainting: insufficient oxygen (hypoxia) due to cabin pressure, immobility, a drop in blood pressure, and possible dehydration.


Does cabin pressure affect blood pressure?

Does flying affect blood pressure? Yes it can. At high altitudes, even in a pressurised aircraft cabin, passengers are at risk of hypoxaemia (low oxygen concentration in the blood).


How do you prevent fainting on a plane?

Here are some other tips to keep from fainting on planes:
  1. Stay well hydrated before and during the flight. ...
  2. Sit in an aisle seat whenever possible. ...
  3. Do seated exercises to keep the blood in your lower limbs circulating. ...
  4. Dress lightly in layers. ...
  5. At the first sign of feeling ill, hit the call button and get a Coke.


Should I take blood pressure medication before flying?

There isn't any legally imposed limit as far as we're aware, but a high blood pressure must be controlled with medication before you travel for your safety.


Can you fly on beta blockers?

Beta-blockers are typically used to provide short-term relief of physical symptoms caused by anxiety. Most people who take beta-blockers for anxiety take the medication as needed before an anxiety-inducing event, such as a plane flight, public speaking engagement, or medical procedure.


What blood pressure is too high for flying?

If your blood pressure is higher than 120 over 80, seek medical advice before you travel.


What heart conditions can you not fly with?

One of the biggest risks for people with heart disease who are flying is developing venous thrombosis. These risks are higher if you have CAD or an implanted heart device, such as an artificial heart valve or a coronary stent. 3 And if you have an arrhythmia, a blood clot in your heart can lead to a stroke.


Categories